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Utah’s measles cases slowing, but cases still diagnosed weekly
Deseret News • • health
Key Points:
- Utah’s measles outbreak, now a year old, has slowed with fewer weekly cases, but health officials remain vigilant due to risks of resurgence in colder weather and school settings.
- Since the outbreak began, Utah has reported 687 cases, with 54 hospitalizations and 450 cases in children under 18; most cases occurred in Southwest Utah, Utah County, and Central Utah.
- About 9.5% of cases are breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals, though the majority (591) were unvaccinated, highlighting ongoing vulnerability in the community.
- Measles is highly contagious, with symptoms appearing 7-21 days after exposure; it can cause serious complications and immune amnesia, increasing susceptibility to other infections.
- International health experts will assess in November whether the U.S. and Mexico have lost measles elimination status, but Utah’s state epidemiologist focuses primarily on protecting local residents rather than this designation.
